#Baglan

Prolific burglar caught on doorbell cameras trying a dozen Baglan doors jailed for five years

Lewis Wood, 35, from Newport, was seen on multiple home security cameras quietly testing front doors across Elmwood Road, Maes Rhydden, Lodge Drive and Glan Hafryn during a late‑night spree in November and December.

The footage shows him moving methodically from property to property, checking handles and slipping into porches as families slept inside.

His final stop was a home on Church Road, where he found a set of car keys on a kitchen table and drove off in the family’s vehicle. The theft was discovered when the victim returned from an early‑hours dog walk to find the car gone.

Police traced Wood after reviewing hours of CCTV and doorbell footage. Officers later found the stolen car parked outside his home.

When arrested, Wood insisted he was “a car thief, not a burglar”, claiming he had only been looking for keys so he could drive home.

At Swansea Crown Court, prosecutors said Wood had been on licence at the time and already had 22 previous convictions for 78 offences, including six house burglaries and 11 counts of driving while disqualified. He also admitted three assaults at a Cardiff Bay restaurant last summer, where he lunged at a staff member and spat at two others after being asked to leave.

Wood pleaded guilty to three burglaries, ten attempted burglaries, theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and three counts of assault by beating. He was jailed for five years and three months.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told him the fear he caused was far more serious than the value of anything stolen.

Lewis Wood, 35, was jailed for more than five years after a late‑night burglary spree across Baglan. Image: South Wales Police.
(Image: South Wales Police)

Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “The real mischief of burglary is the feelings of insecurity victims suffer after having their homes invaded by a stranger. It seems the only way to stop you burgling people’s houses is to keep you in prison.”

He warned Wood that if he continued offending, “your daughter will grow up without you”.

South Wales Police said the sentence reflected the impact on the community.

DC Sam Tobin said: “Burglars and thieves like Lewis Wood are the sort of selfish people who make good people feel unsafe in their own home. He cared nothing for any of his victims, but his offending will have had a big effect on their lives.”

More Crime News

CCTV hunt after shop worker assaulted in Swansea city centre robbery
Police release CCTV after a worker was attacked during a robbery in the city centre.

£43k golf club burglary spree hits Haverfordwest and Carmarthen
Two men admit a string of overnight raids targeting golf clubs across west Wales.

Brothers jailed after burglary spree hits homes across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire
Siblings locked up after a series of break‑ins across two counties.

#Baglan #burglary #carThief #doorbellCamera #SouthWalesPolice
Man covering his face with his hand while trying to open a Baglan homeowner’s front door during a late‑night burglary attempt.Police mugshot of Lewis Wood, who was jailed for a series of burglaries and attempted break‑ins across Baglan.

£3m Welsh Government fund to boost museums, libraries and archives across South West Wales

The investment, part of the Priorities for Culture Capital Grant Scheme, is designed to make cultural spaces more accessible, sustainable and welcoming. Culture Minister Jack Sargeant said the aim was to protect “vital community assets” and ensure they continue to serve as visitor attractions, learning hubs and wellbeing spaces.

Swansea: lighting up the city’s heritage

Swansea Museum
(Image: Swansea Museum)

In Swansea, the city’s oldest museum will be literally brighter. Swansea Museum is receiving funding for its Illuminate project, which will replace outdated lighting in the History Gallery and temporary exhibition space with modern, energy‑efficient systems. Swansea University’s cultural collections will also benefit, with new environmental monitoring and accessibility improvements to safeguard rare items and open them up to more visitors.

Neath Port Talbot: greener libraries

Baglan Library
(Image: Stephen Kinnock MP)

In Neath Port Talbot, Baglan Library will undergo building improvements with new front windows to boost energy efficiency and create a more comfortable space for readers and community groups.

Bridgend: preserving and delivering culture

Porthcawl Museum will use its grant to conserve artefacts and refresh exhibitions, working alongside Glamorgan Archives. Meanwhile, the Awen Cultural Trust, which runs libraries across Bridgend county, will make its Books on Wheels service more sustainable by switching to a zero‑emission electric vehicle to deliver books to housebound residents.

Porthcawl Museum
(Image: Porthcawl Museum)

Carmarthenshire: archives and museums reimagined

Carmarthenshire is seeing some of the most ambitious projects. Carmarthenshire Archives will create a new exhibition space to bring hidden collections into public view. At Carmarthenshire Museum, two projects will improve both physical and digital access: new interpretation and lighting in galleries, and a revamp of the CofGar website to make collections easier to explore online.

At Dinefwr’s Newton House, run by the National Trust, visitors will benefit from new lifts, braille interpretation and audio‑visual guides, ensuring the historic site is accessible to all.

Carmarthenshire Archives
(Image: Carmarthenshire Council)

Pembrokeshire: Tenby’s new chapter

In Pembrokeshire, Tenby Museum & Art Gallery will transform a storage area into a new public gallery, creating space for fresh interpretation and exhibitions.

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
(Image: Peter Broster / CC BY-SA 4.0)

A wider vision for culture

The Welsh Government says the £3m is just the first wave of investment, with a further £2.5m available for bids over the next year and £15m in total to be distributed by March 2026.

The Priorities for Culture strategy emphasises that culture is not just about heritage, but about regeneration, inclusivity and wellbeing. From greener libraries to more accessible museums, the projects in South West Wales reflect that ambition.

#archives #AwenCulturalTrust #Baglan #BaglanLibrary #Carmarthen #CarmarthenshireArchiveService #CarmarthenshireArchives #CarmarthenshireMuseum #CofGar #Dinefwr #funding #grantFunding #libraries #Library #museums #NationalTrust #NewtonHouse #Porthcawl #PorthcawlMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaMuseum #Tenby #TenbyMuseumAndArtGallery

Carmarthenshire ArchivesSwansea MuseumBaglan LibraryPorthcawl Museum

Baglan man jailed after indecently exposing himself in public

50-year-old Scott Thomas, from Baglan, flashed his genitals and backside towards passers-by as he walked along Dunraven Street, Aberavon at around 7am on Friday, July 18.

Thomas immediately admitted the offence upon arrest.

He has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison. He will be required to register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a period of seven years.

PC Rachael Travers said:

“Scott Thomas’s actions were completely unacceptable and will have caused alarm to those who saw him in Dunraven Street, especially at that time of morning.

“He will have known the likely consequences of what he was doing. Those consequences are now a reality for him.”

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

#Baglan #indecentExposure #SouthWalesPolice

Tributes paid to long-serving Baglan councillor

A funeral service was held for Cllr Richards at St Catharine’s Church, Baglan, on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.

Cllr Richards was first elected to Neath Port Talbot Council in June 2004 and served continuously as one of the Baglan ward members until the time of his death.

He was originally elected as a representative of the Neath Port Talbot Ratepayers’ Association but joined the Labour Group in 2008 then becoming a Cabinet Member during the Labour administration period up until 2022. 

Speaking at the AGM on Thursday, 8 May 2025, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said: “I first met Peter in 2008, shortly after my election, and it was clear from the outset he was a person of exceptional kindness and unwavering support. Our friendship blossomed as we worked together on behalf of our community and I will always be grateful for his guidance and encouragement.

“Peter’s commitment went far beyond his own ward; he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the welfare of everyone living in Neath Port Talbot. As a cabinet member of the Labour administration, he approached his duties with both professionalism and dignity, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. Also, his work with the Co-operative movement exemplified his passion for community and service.

”Peter was a true gentleman, a devoted colleague, and a cherished friend. His absence will be felt deeply by all of us, but his legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire our work. We will miss him dearly.”

The Leader of the council’s Labour Group, Cllr Sonia Reynolds, added: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies must be with Peter’s family and close friends during this time of great loss.

“Peter was a dedicated and active Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services. I recall his invaluable support in 2017, when I and other newly elected councillors found ourselves thrown into the deep end of Social Services Scrutiny. His advice was readily available, thoughtful, wise, and always delivered with generosity—quick to offer praise where it was due and ever willing to guide others with care and experience.

“His commitment to local residents was unwavering. Many will have their own stories of Peter’s kindness, his readiness to help, and the guidance he offered without hesitation. He lived his Christian faith not only in belief but in action – through the way he treated people, served his community and lived his life with compassion and humility.

“Peter was loved in his community, valued within our group, and respected across this council. He will be deeply missed.”

#Baglan #NeathPortTalbotCouncil

Councillor Peter Richards

HDM Solar opens new Port Talbot branch, bringing green jobs and investment to South Wales

A new chapter in South Wales’s transition to clean energy began last week as HDM Solar officially opened its Port Talbot branch, backed by a wave of local support and national ambition.

The launch event, held on Friday 18 July at Baglan Energy Park, was attended by Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberafan Maesteg, representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Philip Hunkin, and key figures from the renewable energy sector. Together they celebrated the arrival of one of the UK’s fastest-growing solar suppliers — and the opportunities it brings.

The 17,500 sq ft facility, which includes a 6,000 sq ft bonded storage unit, is set to create around 10 skilled jobs locally. It’s part of HDM Solar’s £10.2 million national expansion plan to open 60 branches across the UK — a strategy aimed at powering growth in the solar and EV installation market.

“It was a pleasure to attend the official opening and welcome HDM Solar’s significant investment in our community,” said Stephen Kinnock MP. “This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to their ambition, innovation, and belief in the potential of our town.”

“Not only will this development create skilled jobs in the growing green energy sector, it also supports Port Talbot’s shift to a cleaner, more sustainable future. It’s a clear signal that our town is ready to lead in the green energy revolution.”

Official opening of HDM Solar Management, Port Talbot by Stephen Kinnock MP

The local authority has backed the project through funding support for the new site — part of its strategy to secure future-ready industries in the wake of expected TATA Steel redundancies.

Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt said: “We’re proud to support HDM Solar’s investment and their commitment to creating quality green jobs here. This partnership shows what’s possible when businesses and councils work together.”

HDM Solar — known nationally as “The Installer’s Wholesaler” — provides tailored systems and technical support to trade and commercial clients, along with direct-to-site delivery. CEO Adam Firth said the opening was more than a business milestone — it’s about empowering communities.

“With the backing of Neath Port Talbot Council and the enthusiasm of the local business community, we’re confident this branch will thrive,” he said. “It’s about investing in people and place, not just expanding our footprint.”

The new branch will also complement the work of HDM Energies, a sister company focused on commercial solar installations. Through its Energy For All scheme, HDM Energies offers systems with zero upfront cost — helping businesses cut energy bills and carbon emissions while locking in fixed low rates.

With Wales poised to play a central role in the UK’s climate targets — including an 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 — developments like HDM’s new Port Talbot hub are helping set the pace for industry and innovation.

More Port Talbot stories from Swansea Bay News

Boost for Aberavon’s Mighty Quins as UKSE backs junior rugby project
Published July 2025: A new funding boost helps expand youth rugby opportunities in Port Talbot, supporting health, teamwork and community engagement.

JCP Solicitors to merge with Port Talbot law firm Howe & Spender this August
Published July 2025: The merger will strengthen legal services across South Wales, combining expertise and expanding client support in the region.

Powering change: National Grid sets out plans to electrify green steel in Port Talbot
Published July 2025: A major infrastructure proposal aims to support TATA Steel’s transition to electric arc furnaces, boosting clean energy and industrial resilience.

Baglan Bombshells spin-off hundreds for cancer charity
Published July 2025: The Port Talbot-based dance group raises hundreds for charity with a lively summer showcase supporting cancer care.

#Baglan #BaglanEnergyPark #CllrSteveHunt #greenEnergy #HDMSolar #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #Solar #StephenKinnockMP

Stephen Kinnock MP unveils new HDM Solar branch in Port TalbotStephen Kinnock MP unveils new HDM Solar branch in Port Talbot

Labour holds Baglan seat in Neath Port Talbot by-election as Reform slips to third

The contest was triggered by the death of long-serving councillor Peter Richards, who had represented Baglan since 2004. Labour candidate Josh Tuck won the seat with 708 votes, defeating independent candidate Wendy Blethyn (532 votes) and Reform UK’s John Bamsey, who came third with 447 votes2.

“I’m just over the moon but also so grateful to the people of Baglan for putting their trust in me,” said Cllr Tuck. “Peter Richards was a friend to Baglan and an incredibly hard-working councillor. I’ll do my best to honour his legacy.”

Tuck said his immediate priorities include tackling road and pavement repairs, cutting back hedgerows and trees, and opposing lay-by parking charges at Aberavon beach, which he described as “a huge issue for us.”

The turnout for the by-election was 33.99%, with 1,886 votes cast from an electorate of 5,558.

Reform’s momentum stalls in Baglan

Reform UK had entered the contest with growing momentum, following recent by-election wins in Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, and Torfaen, and a surge in national polling that placed the party ahead of Labour in several Welsh constituencies46.

However, the Baglan result suggests that Reform’s appeal may be more variable at ward level. Despite a strong showing, Reform fell short of overtaking Labour or the independent candidate, raising questions about the party’s ability to convert national polling strength into consistent local wins.

Swansea Bay News previously reported on Reform’s rise across South West Wales, including its landslide victory in Llanelli, its projected Senedd seat gains, and its growing influence in debates over welfare reform, education, and tourism policy: 🔗 Reform projected to have most Senedd seats but Plaid and Labour coalition most likely government 🔗 New polling shows Reform surge redrawing the political map in South West Wales 🔗 Reform win landslide victory in Llanelli by-election

Final results – Baglan by-election, 17 July 2025

CandidatePartyVotesOutcomeJosh TuckLabour708ElectedWendy BlethynIndependent532Not electedJohn BamseyReform UK447Not electedColin DeerePlaid Cymru149Not electedLee StabbinsWelsh Conservatives19Not electedNigel Bartolotti HillGreen Party18Not electedTomos Gruffydd Roberts-YoungWelsh Liberal Democrats13Not elected

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Reform win landslide victory in Llanelli by-election
Published May 2025: Reform UK secures a decisive win in Llanelli, reshaping expectations for upcoming Senedd elections.

New polling shows Reform surge redrawing the political map in South West Wales
Published April 2025: Reform UK overtakes Labour in key constituencies, prompting speculation about future coalitions and voter shifts.

Reform projected to have most Senedd seats but Plaid and Labour coalition most likely government
Published March 2025: Reform’s rise continues, but polling suggests a Plaid-Labour coalition remains the most viable path to government.

David Darkin launches Senedd bid for Carmarthenshire super constituency
Published June 2025: Llanelli councillor enters the race for the newly formed Sir Gaerfyrddin seat, pledging to challenge Reform’s momentum.

#Baglan #byElection #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #ReformUK #WelshLabour

Josh Tuck

Baglan Bombshells spin off hundreds for cancer charity

The women’s over 30s team organised a 24-hour Spinathon to raise money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity as part of the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament – which is raising funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital. This is also part of the wider ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal.

The event at Baglan RFC involved 23 Bombshells who rode continually on two static bikes on rotation – kindly loaned by Warehouse Gym – from 6pm on Friday 27 June until 6pm on Saturday June 28.

Two inspiring Bombshells, Joanne and Leanne, having already cycled in their nominated four hour time slot in the early hours of the morning, saddled up to ride the last half hour in an emotional finish.

Both Joanne and Leanne have used the essential services that the Swansea Bay Health Board oncology department provides and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as they completed the last few minutes of the 24-hour ride.

As well as the Bombshells working hard to ensure the wheels were continually turning throughout, there was also an opportunity for others to join them on a third bike. The Bombshells wish to thank those from the Baglan Bombers, Baglan seniors, friends and family – who joined them on the bikes across the 24-hours.

The team say they were also delighted to welcome members of the Pontardawe Daffs women’s touch rugby team who also hopped on the third bike in the final hours of the ride, throwing their support behind the Bombshells.

Whilst the team were overjoyed to be joined by their teammate Ceri Forward, who despite having already completed a three peaks hike in Cardiff that day to raise money for mountain rescue, jumped on the third bike for the final half an hour.

The Spinathon also coincided with Baglan RFC’s Family Fun Day on the Saturday which saw scores of people flocking to the club for stalls, food, entertainment and games for all ages.

Michelle Hall, who rode on the 10pm to 2am shift, said: “We are over the moon to raise this amount of money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity, and we even have more to come, with donations still coming in!

“It was such an incredible 24-hours, every Bombshells gave it their all, and the support through the day was unbelievable. Spirits were kept high throughout the whole challenge – even through the graveyard shifts.

“The build up to the last half an hour gave us all goosebumps and it was a very emotional countdown to mark the end of the Spinathon with Leanne and Joanne on the bikes. We are so proud of them both as they have faced their cancer journeys with inspiring bravery.”

The Bombshells would like to thank everyone who has supported the cause through their attendance on the day and through their generous sponsorship.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has donated – every penny really does count – and if anyone would like to still support this cause it’s not too late,” said Michelle.

“We’d also like to thank Baglan RFC for hosting our Spinathon, Warehouse Gym and everyone who supported us on the bikes through the 24-hours – it was such a team effort.

“It was also fantastic to have our charity event coincide with Baglan RFC’s family fun day – it was such a lovely day which saw the community join together.”

The Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament will take place on Saturday 9th August at the Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon RFC, and will see 16 local teams take part. Spectator tickets will be available on the day and are £5 for adults with children going free.

Michelle added: “We can’t wait to play in the upcoming tournament and it’s been fantastic to see all the teams involved raise so much money for the cancer centre – and we know there is much more to come.

“Women’s touch rugby has certainly exploded in the Swansea Bay region over the last few years so to see everyone joining together, uniting for this special cause has been truly wonderful and we’re now counting down the days until 9th August!”

To donate to the Baglan Bombshells donation page, please visit: http://swanseabayhealthcharity.enthuse.com/pf/michelle-hall

To find out more about the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament please visit their Facebook page.

The ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal aims to raise £200,000 to develop a dedicated outpatient department specifically for cancer patients at Singleton Hospital. The goal of the appeal is to transform the current space into a comforting environment that supports the wellbeing of patients and their families during a challenging time.

#Baglan #BaglanBombshells #BaglanRFC #Cancer #Charity #fundraising #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #touchRugby

Baglan Bombshells spinathon

Baglan to Port Talbot road closed after ‘serious collision’

The A48 was closed between Fernfield and Dinas Baglan Road in Baglan earlier this morning while emergency services attend the scene of the collision.

Images taken by Cee SD and posted to social media show a van hanging off a tall stone wall in a precarious position.

Quite how the van ended up like that has not been officially confirmed, however eyewitnesses say it looked like the van’s handbrake failed and it rolled off a driveway which was at a higher level on top of the stone wall.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We’re at the scene of a serious collision on the A48 Briton Ferry to Baglan, Neath.

“The road is currently closed in both directions between Fernfield to Dinas Baglan Road.

“It is expected to remain closed for some time; please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. We’re grateful for your patience.”

Police later issued an update to say the road was reopened at 11.41am.

#A48 #Baglan #featured #RoadTrafficAccident

Baglan collision on A48

Health board says Swansea Bay is the place to stay for overseas nurses

Swansea Bay University Health Board say that following a huge international recruitment drive to fill the void of band 5 nurses – an issue felt across the UK – 456 nurses have moved from abroad to start a new life and transfer their health care expertise to South West Wales.

Of those recruited in the past four years, 96 per cent of the nurses remain working for the health board.

It leaves the health board in the fortunate position of having a very low level of vacancies for nursing and healthcare support workers.

Natalie Mills, retention lead, said: “At Swansea Bay University Health Board we are incredibly proud to have retained 96.05% of our internationally educated nurses – a testament to the exceptional collaboration between our nurse education team and service groups.

“These nurses are a vital part of our workforce, bringing invaluable skills, compassion and perspectives to our care.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to stay.

“We are proud to be seen as an exemplar across NHS Wales for building an inclusive and welcoming environment where nurses from around the world choose to build their future.”

The health board say that to better understand the community it serves, their analysis found out 1 in 20 people are from an ethnic minority.

The high retention rate of internationally educated nurses indicates that they are happy living and working in Swansea Bay.

Arianne Labayo
(Image: Swansea Bay University Health Board)

One of the overseas staff to have been recruited since April 2021 is Arianne Labayo.

Arianne is the Health Care Support Worker Development Lead, having arrived from the Philippines in 2020.

She followed in the footsteps of her sister Kristine, who joined Swansea Bay in 2017.

Arianne’s first role in the health board was a band 5 staff nurse in a general medicine ward, before being promoted to her current role two years later, where she is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of the NHS Wales HCSW Career Framework across the health board. Her responsibilities include coordinating the clinical induction programme for HCSWs within nursing and allied health professions, ensuring its ongoing development and quality assurance.

She said: “Moving to a different country and adapting to a different culture is always daunting. You never know what to expect, so it was a mixture of nerves and excitement when I was offered the job by Swansea Bay University Health Board.

“I am enjoying it, but it’s not just the job itself – the team I’m working in is fostering a very supportive and constructive environment.

“I’ve never thought of leaving – the support I’ve received and chance to develop means I am very happy.

“Outside of work, the beaches remind me of home. In addition to the geographical environment, experiencing a new culture and meeting new people has broadened my perspective on the world.

“Engaging with different places and individuals offers continuous opportunities for learning and personal growth, which helps me in my professional growth too.”

The health board says that nurses who arrive from abroad go through compliance checks and obtain a visa before undertaking a four-week Objective Structured Clinical Examination training programme in its Nurse Education Training Suite based at its Baglan HQ.

Following that, they sit an exam to attain their Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration before starting work on wards across our hospitals.

Lynne Jones, Head of Nursing Education and Recruitment, was among the health board representatives during a recruitment event held in India in 2023, which attracted over 100 nurses to Swansea Bay.

Lynne said: “Our recruitment drive over the past four years has proved a huge success in attracting nurses who have added a wealth of experience, skills, culture and diversity to our workforce.

“All across the UK there has been a huge issue filling band 5 positions, but our work internationally has plugged that gap.

“We have recruited ethically in countries who have a surplus of nurses, and it has significantly benefited the health board in staffing levels, the nurses in terms of their development, and, most importantly, our patients.

“Our retention rate of 96 per cent proves that not only is Swansea Bay an attractive place to work and develop, it is a place to stay and spend your life.”

#Baglan #nursing #Swansea #SwanseaBayNHS

Overseas nursesArianne Labayo

Swansea children’s charity team up with Traitors star and Ospreys players for kids mental health sessions

The rugby and Traitors stars helped Ospreys in the Community celebrate their Bouncing Back Plus partnership with Action for Children with a huge event at the Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea. 

Over 550 primary school children joined the celebrations and were treated to rugby sessions, physical exercise and games as well as mental health workshops. 

Volunteers from Action for Children, EE, Ospreys in the Community, Wales Hockey and students from Gower College all gave up their time to deliver a memorable day for the children with Traitors star, Andrew Jenkins, giving talks on improving mental health. 

Ospreys stars Luke Scully, Connor Moyse and Rhys Henry were also on hand to take part in interviews with the children in the stadium press room.

Young people supported by Action for Children Mackenzie and McKenzi with Ospreys stars Luke Scully, Connor Moyse and Rhys Henry

The charity teamed up with the rugby region’s community arm, supported by the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership, 4 years ago to deliver a combination of classroom-based Cognitive and Dialectical behavioural therapy (CBT and DBT) techniques and physical exercises such as touch rugby on the playground.

Bouncing Back Plus started in September 2021 and the partnership has delivered the programme in 73 schools to 3575 across the Ospreys region.  Of those who took part, 97% indicated an increase in their level of confidence following the programme, 97% indicated an increase in their ability to cope in stressful situations while 97% now know who to ask for help as a result of Bouncing Back Plus.

Andrew Jenkins takes questions from children at celebration event

Omowunmi and Praise from Sea View Community Primary School in Swansea have taken the Bouncing Back Plus programme in the last year and were at the celebration. 

Omowunmi said: ‘It’s been really helpful because I can help other people and myself when I feel a bit stressed or panicked.  The best thing was the finger breathing, hot chocolate breathing and the Mexican wave, they were all really fun.  I would like to see other children do this a lot, as it really helped me.’ 

Praise added: “In my everyday life, I use Bouncing Back most of the time because sometimes I feel like I’m not good at things and I get annoyed or angry so the hot chocolate breathing calms me down.  We also learned about endorphins, so it’s really helped me in the way I think about the things I do.  I really want other children to join in as it’s really helped me, and it will help other children too.”

Traitors star Andrew Jenkins with Sea View Primary School

Christina Williams manages the Bouncing Back Plus programme for Action for Children in the region and said: “We are exceptionally proud of our Bouncing Back Plus partnership with Ospreys in the Community and it’s been brilliant celebrating with over 550 children who’ve benefitted from the programme.  We’ve been running Bouncing Back Plus for nearly four years and the results here have been amazing.  The importance of early intervention on the mental health of young people cannot be overstated so getting everyone together for a day of fun activities has been wonderful.

“The children have been able to interview professional rugby players, Luke Scully, Connor Moyse and Rhys Henry, asking them questions in the press room about the impact physical activity has on their mental health and the struggles and pressures they face alongside doing what they love. Additionally, the young people had a Q&A session with Andrew Jenkins from the BBC hit show, The Traitors. They discussed emotional resilience and the pressures of being a celebrity. Giving the children these opportunities to explore the stadium whilst looking after their emotional wellbeing is invaluable.”

Andrew Jenkins with Bae Baglan school

Tom Sloane, Head of Community at Ospreys in the Community, said: “To see over 550 children having a great day out at our stadium was fantastic.  We know the positive benefits Bouncing Back Plus has on our children and with all the challenges social media brings as well as the current challenging economic conditions, that’s been absolutely critical.  They’ll have had an experience like no other, seeing behind the scenes, the changing rooms and having so much fun with all the staff from Ospreys in the Community, EE, Action for Children, Wales Hockey and Gower College that I hope it inspires them for years to come.”

(Lead image: Action for Children)

#ActionForChildren #AndrewJenkins #Baglan #BouncingBackPlus #Mayhill #mentalHealth #Ospreys #OspreysInTheCommunity #SeaViewPrimary #TheTraitors #YsgolBaeBaglan

Over 550 children celebrated the Pouncing Back Plus mental health programme with Ospreys in the Community and Action for ChildrenYoung people supported by Action for Children Mackenzie and McKenzi with Ospreys stars Luke Scully, Connor Moyse and Rhys HenryAndrew Jenkins takes questions from children at celebration event
2023-10-15

Gig Cymraeg, yn y Tyn!!
The Gentle Good! 🎤 🎸🎻🎶 #Baglan #PortTalbot @ghbonello

Janh1 💚💙janh1@mastodon.online
2022-11-21

Happy rainy Monday. Hoping for one of these later 😊
A crock of gold at #BaglanMoor ?
#SwanseaBay #Baglan
#Rainbow #Wales

A bright half-arc of rainbow against cloudy sky over Swansea Bay

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